Nichinan, a Popular Inbound Area for Wellness: Discovering Moments of Local Immersion in the Port Town of Aburatsu

Nichinan City is located in the southern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, an area with diverse charms, where the blue sea of the Hyuga Sea to the east, the evergreen forests of the Shii-woods forests to the west, and the historically rich Obi Castle town coexist. Its geographical characteristic of having sea, forest, and historical culture compactly gathered is rare even within Japan, and it has a high affinity with the globally growing trends of 'wellness,' 'slow travel,' and 'local experiences.'

The temperate climate allows visitors to experience everything from spectacular views of sheer cliffs and sacred sites where myths breathe, to the tranquility of moss-covered forests, and the warm hospitality of port town culture, all within a single stay. This is a great attraction for international travelers seeking an encounter with a 'deeper Japan' distinct from urban tourism. Furthermore, with the improvement of the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, access has also improved, and it is attracting attention as a new option for Kyushu tours and cruise port visits.

Therefore, this time, we will introduce the charms of Nichinan that we want to convey to international travelers, with the theme of 'A Journey to Harmonize Mind and Body,' from the perspective of 'Moments of Local Immersion Encountered in the Port Town of Aburatsu.'

At Aburatsu Port in Nichinan City, cruise ship calls are increasing, welcoming many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Leveraging the good access to the city center and major tourist spots, we are developing a reception system that allows visitors to experience the regional charms. We are promoting the expansion of the exchange population and regional revitalization, triggered by these port calls.

[Planned Cruise Ship Port Calls for Fiscal Year 2026 (Aburatsu Port)]

March 24, 2026 (Tuesday) Diamond Princess

April 7, 2026 (Tuesday) Nippon Maru

April 12, 2026 (Sunday) Seabourn Sojourn

May 31, 2026 (Sunday) Diamond Princess

June 7, 2026 (Sunday) Crystal Symphony

July 7, 2026 (Tuesday) MSC Bellissima

July 18, 2026 (Saturday) Asuka II

July 19, 2026 (Sunday) Mitsui Ocean Fuji

July 25, 2026 (Saturday) Villa Vie Odyssey

October 25, 2026 (Sunday) Diamond Princess

November 8, 2026 (Sunday) Diamond Princess

Moments of Local Immersion Encountered in the Port Town of Aburatsu

The Aburatsu area in the central part of Nichinan City is a region that has developed as a port town, gathering unique snack bars and small restaurants. Shops are scattered within a compact area and have long been loved by locals. In recent years, interest among international travelers in experiences that touch upon the region's daily life has been growing. In Aburatsu, you can feel the unique atmosphere of the place while visiting various shops.

Aburatsu Area

Aburatsu is the central urban area adjacent to Nichinan City's port, and it is a compact area where commercial, dining, and public facilities are concentrated. Because shops are clustered within walking distance, it is characterized by its high walkability, allowing enjoyment of a stroll even in a short time. With a history of development as a port town, shops deeply rooted in the daily lives of local people continue to operate today.

In the evenings, restaurants, bars, and snack bars light up, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike large tourist destinations, although smaller in scale, its charm lies in experiencing an atmosphere close to the region's daily life. In recent years, with an increasing number of international travelers interested not only in tourist spots but also in 'local townscapes' and 'everyday scenery,' Aburatsu is an area that meets such needs.

By visiting during your stay in Nichinan, you can learn about the town's aspects, which are different from coastal scenery and nature tourism.

[Scheduled to Open Summer 2026] Luxury Villa "HINATA Oshima" Woven by Sea and Forest on an Uninhabited Island

"HINATA Oshima" is a resort villa facility newly being developed on Oshima, an uninhabited island off the coast of Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The facility name has been decided as "HINATA Oshima," and preparations are underway for its grand opening in the summer of 2026.

Oshima is a naturally rich island included in the Nichinan Coast Quasi-National Park, with pristine greenery and Pacific Ocean scenery spreading along its approximately 2.5 km coastline. While existing municipal accommodation facilities like Adventure Cabins are present, HINATA Oshima is being developed as a project to offer new stay experiences. It is planned to create an extraordinary experience, such as arriving on the island by private helicopter, and a stay amidst abundant nature, aiming for a new style of luxury villa-type destination tourism.